Machine for compacting trash

ABSTRACT

This invention is a machine for compacting trash, following which the compacted trash is removed for disposal. The trash is compacted by a ram operating within a compression chamber containing a trash receptacle, which preferably comprises a sleeve into which trash is placed. A trash-receiving bag is pulled over the lower portion of the sleeve, the sleeve and bag being removed from the machine as a unit for emptying the compacted trash from the sleeve into the bag. The compacting ram is automatically retracted by a pressure-activated or timeactivated ram returning device and is provided with a load limit shut-off member.

United States Patent 11 1 Hopkins [451 Jan. 15, 1974 [73] Assignee: Compackager Corporation,

Washington, DC.

22 Filed: Apr. 29, 1971 21 Appl. No.: 138,446

52' us. c1 100/51, 100/52, 100/53,

100/99, 100/229 A, 100/256, 100/269 R [51] Int. Cl B30b 15/16 [58] Field of Search 53/124 B; 100/229 R, 100/229 A, 251, 218, 50, 51, 99, 52, 53, 269 R, 256

[56] t References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,675,669 7/1928 Snyder 100/256 X 3,537,390 11/1970 Hinkel et a1. 100/52 X 3,613,558 10/1971 Math 100/52 X 3,643,589 2/1972 Carten. 100/52 X 3,250,414 5/1966 Pioch 100/52 X 64,630 5/1867 Cassidey lOO/229 A 737,427 8/1903 Lemberg 100/229 R 2,544,222 3/1951 DAmico 100/251 X 3,000,296 9/1961 Poland 100/251 3,229,618 l/1966 OConnor 100/51 3,274,922 9/1966 Hefner 100/52 3,353,478 11/1967 Hopkins 100/52 3,528,366 9/1970 Neuenburg 100/218 3,534,678 10/1970 Clar 100/50 3,601,953 8/1971 Boyd 53/124 B 3,606,830 9/1971 Chaney 100/52 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,273,979 9/1961 France 100/229 A Primary ExaminerBilly J. Wilhite Attorney-Shlesinger, Arkwright & Garvey 5 7] ABSTRACT This invention is a machine for compacting trash, following which the compacted trash is removed for disposal. The trash is compacted by a ram operating within a compression chamber containing a trash receptacle, which preferably comprises a sleeve into which trash is placed. A trash-receiving bag is pulled over the lower portion of the sleeve, the sleeve and bag being removed from the machine as a unit for emptying the compacted trash from the sleeve into the bag. The compacting ram is automatically retracted by a pressure-activated or time-activated ram returning device and is provided with a load limit shut-off member.

11 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEUJAHSIQM 3,785,278

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ATTORNEYS .Sfephen Hopkins PATENTEDJAI 152974 3785278 sum 2 a; 4

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- IHVENTOR WWW Sfephen Hopkins ATTORNEYS Pmmmm 15 m4 3.785.278 SHEET U BF 4 INVENTOR. Sfephen Hapk/ns ATTORNEYS MACHINE FOR COMPACTING TRASH OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide a trash compactor of a size which is particularly adpated for use in apartment and office buildings, compacting being efficiently carried out in a manner to permit ready removal of the compacted trash for disposal.

Another object is to provide a trash compactor including a compacting ram operative within a compres sion chamber which preferably comprises an openended sleeve for shaping and compacting trash, a bag being positioned over the lower portion of the sleeve, the sleeve and bag containing compacted trash being removable from the compactor, the trash then being delivered from the sleeve into the bag for disposal.

Other objects are to provide a trash compactor having automatically operative means for controlling the compacting operation; to provide pressure responsive means for regulating the movement of the compacting ram; to provide alternate time controlled means for operating the compacting ram, and to provide an automatic load limit shut-off for the machine when a predetermined amount of trash has been compacted.

Other objects will be apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the appended drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the trash compactor of the presentinvention, a portion thereof being broken away to disclose details of construction;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the same, showing the ram in fully extended position;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the same;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the pressure actuated system of the present invention for controlling operation of the compactor;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the hydraulic circuit for the pressure actuated system, and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sleeve forming a part of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the present invention showing the sleeve of FIG. 6 in position to receive trash for compaction.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a modified form of the present invention illustrating a time actuated system for controlling operation of the trash compactor.

DESCRIPTION OF FORM OF INVENTION ILLUSTRATED IN FIGS. 1-4

In FIGS. 1 to 4, there is illustrated the trash compactor of the present invention which includes an outer case assembly comprising a frame consisting of a plurality of spaced vertical uprights 10 which are joined together by horizontal members 12, the frame being covered by suitable panel members 14. The front of the assembly, as shown in FIG. 1, is provided with a hingemounted upper door for service access to the operational equipment. Below the upper door is a trash door 16 having a pull handle 18, beneath which is a bottom door 20 which is hingedly mounted on the frame to permit opening. The assembly is mounted on adjustable legs 22 to effect ready leveling of the assembly.

Intermediate the height of the assembly, there are provided horizontal supports 24 which support a vertically disposed hydraulic cylinder 26 having a piston 28 which extends from the lower end of the cylinder. A platen 30 is connected to the outer terminal of piston 28, which platen serves as the ram of the trash compactor. Platen 30 may be of rectangular cross-section as shown, or may be of any other desired shape. A motor 32 is also mounted on support 24, the motor driving a pump 34 which feeds a hydraulic fluid from a tank 36 through feed and supply lines 38 and 40. The opposite ends of feed and return lines 38 and 40 are connected to a valve 42. A pair of hydraulic lines 44 and 46 extend from valve 42, feed line 44 being connected to the upper end of the cylinder and feed line 46 being connected to the lower end of the cylinder, for extending and retracting the piston and ram.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide an open ended trash-receiving member or sleeve 48 in which the trash is compacted, the sleeve being positioned in the lower part of the assembly. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the cross-sectional area of sleeve 48 complements that of platen 30 and includes a front panel 50, a rear panel 52 and end panels 54 and 56, all of which are preferably of heavy gauge metal construction, the lower edges of each panel being folded outwardly to provide flanges as illustrated by 51, 53, 55 and 57 respectively, for strengthening the sleeve.

End panels 54 and 56 are provided with horizontal slots 58 and 60 near their upper terminals to facilitate lifting of the sleeve. Additionally, bucket handles 62 and 64 are held at the lateral extremities of front panel 50 by straps 66 and 68, the handles being mounted in such a manner to permit rotation thereof into contiguous engagement with front panel 50 when not in use. Bucket handles 62 and 64 permit sleeve 48, with compacted trash therein, to be pulled from the case assembly. It will be noted from a consideration of FIG. 6, that the upper edges of the sleeve are slightly beveled outwardly, as indicated at 69, 70, 71 and 72 in order to fa cilitate passage of ram 30, which is of complemental size, into the sleeve, for compressing the trash. It will be further noted from FIG. 8 that a plastic bag or the like 74, is placed over the bottom of the sleeve before positioning the latter in place within the assembly casing. In this manner, upon removal of the sleeve with the bag attached thereto, the sleeve may be lifted out of engagement with the trash, leaving the trash within the bag for removal and disposal. The sleeve is then returned to the case assembly with a fresh bag to continue the operation.

In FIG. 4, there is illustrated schematically the electrical components for operating the present compactor, which components are located in a control box 76 within the upper part of the case assembly. The control box unit consists of two basic circuits, a 24 volt control ciruit, and a 230 volt power circuit. Current to the control circuit is supplied by a 24 volt transformer 78 tapped into the line side of a contactor 80. The transformer supplies current to the coil of contactor 80, when normally open safety switch or switches 82 located in the upper part of the case assembly are closed by shutting trash door 16, and when normally open push button 84 is depressed. A normally closed limit switch 86 lies in the path of movement of piston 28 and is actuated to open the circuit only when'the platen is lifted to its top retracted position. Limit switch 86 is wired in parallel with push button 84.

When contactor 80 is closed, motor 32 which is in circuit therewith is actuated, and runs continuously. Also, in the system of FIG. 4, 1 volt AC current flows through a 3 amp fuse 90 to a single solenoid hydraulic valve 92 and a latching relay coil 94. The latching relay coil is wired in series with a normally'open pressure switch 96. When pressure switch 96 closes, 115 volt AC current is supplied to the latching relay coil 94 which either closes the circuit to solenoid valve 92, if it is open, or opens the circuit if it is closed, alternately changing the direction of flow of oil through the hydraulic valve.

In connection with the operation of the machine, there is provided an automatic full shut-off feature which is shown to advantage in FIG. 4, and is in circuit with the control feature previously described. The automatic full shut-off' system is mounted in a sub-control box 97 and includes a latching relay 98 which is wired in series with one of the primary leads of trans-former 78. The latching relay contacts, when open, break the control circuit which shuts down the unit.

A full-sensing element for controlling the size of the compacted trash is provided which consists of a normally open roller switch 100 which is mounted in the case assembly adjacent cylinder 26, which roller switch closes when a cam bracket 102 mounted on a post 103 carried by platen depresses the roller.

Roller switch 100 is wired in series with pressure switch 96 and the latching relay 98 in the indicator control box.

When a sufficient amount of trash is built up to cause the pressure switch 96 to reverse the system, and if this occurs at the same time roller switch 100 is depressed, a current is pulsed to latching relay 98 which opens the control circuit. The double throw switch also actuates an indicator lamp 104 located on the front panel of the case assembly. A reset button 106 is located on the front panel and, when depressed, a second current is pulsed to latching relay 98, thereby extinguishing indicator lamp 104 and re-establishing current to transformer 78. A 3 amp fuse is indicated at 107.

In FIG. 5, there is illustrated the hydraulic circuitry for operation of the compactor of the present invention. When push button 84 is actuated, contactor 80 is closed and motor 32 activated. Since piston rod 28 is retracted, pressure builds up immediately. When the pressure reaches a preset high level, such as 1,000 psi, pressure switch 96 closes the circuit to latching relay coil 94.

Latching relay coil 94 in turn closes the circuit to solenoid valve 92, reverting the valve, and rod 28 begins to move to the extended position. The pressure in the system drops, pressure switch 96 opens, and latching relay coil 94 is de-energized.

When rod 28 is fully extended or, when it meets suffi' cient resistance, pressure builds up. When the desired preset pressure is reached, pressure swich 96 closes the circuit to latching relay coil 94. Latching relay coil 94 opens the circuit to solenoid valve 92, returning the valve to its original position. Rod 28 then begins to retract. The pressure drops, pressure switch 96 opens, and the latching relay coil 94 is de-energized. When rod 28 is fully retracted, limit switch 86 opens the circuit and shuts off the system.

OPERATION In use of the compactor of the present invention, sleeve 48 having bag 74 slipped over the lower portion thereof, is placed within the case assembly as shown to advantage in the drawings. The trash to be compacted is then fed through trash door 16, following which the door is closed, thereby closing safety switch or switches 82. Push button 84 is then depressed, thereby supplying current to contactor to start motor 32.

The pressure within the system immediately rises to the preset high level, thereby closing pressure switch 96 to supply current to latching relay coil 94, which in turn closes the circuit to solenoid valve 92 reversing the valve and causing piston 28 to move downwardly. This causes a drop of hydraulic pressure when rod 28 begins its downward movement.

The drop in pressure opens pressure switch 96, thereby opening the circuit to latching relay coil 94. At this point, limit switch 86 closes and the unit will continue to operate when push button 84 is released.

When the limit of the stroke of rod 28 is reached, or a sufficient amount of trash is compacted to build up pressure to its preset high level, pressure switch 96 closes, thus supplying current to the latching relay coil 94 which opens the circuit to the solenoid valve 92 returning the valve to its original position. Hydraulic fluid is then supplied to the lower end of cylinder 26 causing rod 28 to retract. The pressure drops, opening pressure switch 96 and opening the circuit to latching relay 98.

When rod 28 reaches the top of its travel, the limit switch is depressed thereby opening the control circuit to shut down the unit.

In the case where the machine is'full, trash within the sleeve causes the pressure to build up at preset level, operating the automatic full shut-off system thereby opening the control circuit, and activating indicator lamp 104. Reset button 106 is then depressed to cause a second current to pulse to the latching relay 98 to simultaneously turn off the indicator lamp and reestablish current to transformer 78, thereby enabling the operator to retract the platen and remove the trash.

By virtue of the arrangement of limit switch 86 and push button 84 in parallel, the present compactor may either be run continuously or one complete cycle at a time/The cyclic operation of the machine is carried out in the manner above-described. The continuous operation of the machine is readily effected by maintaining button 84 depressed. This closes the circuit.

DESCRIPTION OF FORM OF INVENTION ILLUSTRATED IN FIG. 9

In FIG. 9, there is diagramatically illustrated a modified form of the present invention wherein, instead of a pressure-controlled system for operating the compactor, there is provided a time-controlled system which may be used in lieu of the pressure-controlled system illustrated in FIG. 4.

In this form of the invention, the same basic circuitry is employed as illustrated in FIG. 4, and accordingly, like parts are identified by like, primed numbers. In the time-controlled form of the invention, there is provided a timer tube 108 such as an Amperite model 26 C10 which is connected with a potentiometer 110 being in circuit with relay coil 94' and through limit switch 86' to contactor 80'. Relay coil 94 is also in circuit with a standard directional control valve indicated at 112 for controlling the direction of movement of the compactor.

The operation of this form of the invention is similar to that described in connection with the pressurecontrolled form, except that the operation of the ram is not controlled by the pressure applied thereto by the trash, but rather is controlled strictly on a time basis, as regulated by the timer tube. In the time-controlled form of the invention, the ram is actuated and moves in a down cycle for a predetermined time period, such as seconds, following which reversal is effected through the activation of relay coil 94, and the ram returns to its original position.

While there has been herein shown and described the presently preferred forms of the present invention, it is to be understood that such has been done for purposes of illustration only, and that various changes may be made therein within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. A trash compactor including:

a. a case,

b. compression means mounted within said case,

c. said compression means including a compacting member movable longitudinally through said case,

d. an open-ended trash-receiving member removably positioned in the bottom of said case, subjacent said compacting member,

e. said open-ended trash-receiving member including front, back and end panels,

f. the upper edges of said front, back and end panels being beveled outwardly to facilitate passage of said compacting member into the trash-receiving member,

g. a trash-receiving container engaged over the lower end of said trash-receiving member, and

h. means for actuating said compacting member,

g. whereby said compacting member is moved into compressing engagement with the trash within the trash-receiving member, following which the trashreceiving member and container are removed from the case and the trash in said member is shaken into the container. 11

2. A trash compactor including:

a. a case,

b. compression means mounted within said case,

c. said compression means including a compacting member movable vertically through said case,

d. an open-ended trash-receiving member removably positioned within the lower portion of said case for receiving said compacting member to compact the trash within the trash-receiving member,

e. a trash bag placed over the lower portion of said trash-receiving member into which compacted trash from the trash-receiving member is deposited upon removal of the trash-receiving member and bag from the case,

f. fluid means for actuating said compression means,

g. power means for operating said fluid means, and

h. pressure-responsive control means engaged with said compacting member for reversing the direction of said compacting member for reversing the direction of movement thereof at any point along the stroke of the latter when a predetermined pressure has been reached.

3. The trash compactor of claim 2, wherein:

a. said pressure-responsive control means includes a pressure switch for retracting said compacting member upon exertion of a predetermined pressure thereon, and

b. means in circuit with said pressure switch and compacting member for actuating the latter.

4. The trash compactor of claim 3 with the addition a. means in circuit with said pressure responsive control means for automatically fully shutting off the machine when the compacted trash has reached a predetermined size.

5. The trash compactor of claim 4, wherein:

a. said means in circuit with said pressure responsive control means includes cam means attached to, and movable with said compacting member,

b. a stationary switch actuated by said cam means upon movement of said compacting member, and

c. means engaged with said cam actuated switch and said pressure switch for shutting off the trash compactor upon contemporaneous actuation thereof.

6. The trash compactor of claim 5, wherein:

a. said multiple control means includes a limit switch and actuating member electrically connected in parallel to each other.

7. A trash compactor including:

a. a case,

b. compression means mounted within said case,

c. said compression means including a compacting member for reciprocating movement longitudinally through said case,

d. trash receiving means lying in the path of move ment of said compaction member for compressing the trash,

e. power means for actuating reciprocating movement of said compacting member,

f. pressure-responsive control means connected to said compacting member for reversing the direction of movement thereof at any point along the stroke or return of the compacting member when a predetermined pressure has built up,

g. said pressure responsive control means and said power means being in circuit with each other, and

h. multiple control means connected with said power means and pressure responsive control means for selectively operating said compacting member continuously or through one complete cycle only.

8. The trash compactor of claim 7, wherein:

a. said pressure-responsive control means includes a pressure switch, and

b. means in circuit with said pressure switch and compacting member for actuating the latter.

9. The trash compactor of claim 7, with the addition a. means in circuit with said pressure responsive control means for automatically fully shutting off the machine when the compacted trash has reached a predetermined size.

10. The trash compactor of claim 9, wherein:

a. said means in circuit with said pressure responsive control means includes cam means connected to, and movable with, said compacting member,

b. stationary switch means actuated by said cam means upon movement of said compacting memher, and

c. means engaged with said switch and said pressure switch for shutting off the trash compactor upon contemporaneous actuation thereof.

11. A trash compactor including:

power means for reversing the direction of said compacting member,

gv said time control means being operative for a predetermined time period only during the downward stroke of the compacting member, and

h. switch means in circuit with said power means,

i. said switch means being tripped to shut off the machine when said compacting member reaches the limit of its return stroke. 

1. A trash compactor including: a. a case, b. compression means mounted within said case, c. said compression means including a compacting member movable longitudinally through said case, d. an open-ended trash-receiving member removably positioned in the bottom of said case, subjacent said compacting member, e. said open-ended trash-receiving member including front, back and end panels, f. the upper edges of said front, back and end panels being beveled outwardly to facilitate passage of said compacting member into the trash-receiving member, g. a trash-receiving container engaged over the lower end of said trash-receiving member, and h. means for actuating said compacting member, g. whereby said compacting member is moved into compressing engagement with the trash within the trash-receiving member, following which the trash-receiving member and container are removed from the case and the trash in said member is shaken into the container.
 2. A trash compactor including: a. a case, b. compression means mounted within said case, c. said compression means including a compacting member movable vertically through said case, d. an open-ended trash-receiving member removably positioned within the lower portion of said case for receiving said compacting member to compact the trash within the trash-receiving member, e. a trash bag placed over the lower portion of said trash-receiving member into which compacted trash from the trash-receiving member is deposited upon removal of the trash-receiving member and bag from the case, f. fluid means for actuating said compression means, g. power means for operating said fluid means, and h. pressure-responsive control means engaged with said compacting member for reversing the direction of said compacting member for reversing the direction of movement thereof at any point along the stroke of the latter when a predetermined pressure has been reached.
 3. The trash compactor of claim 2, wherein: a. said pressure-responsive control means includes a pressure switch for retracting said compacting member upon exertion of a predetermined pressure thereon, and b. means in circuit with said pressure switch and compacting member for actuating the latter.
 4. The trash compactor of claim 3 with the addition of: a. means in circuit with said pressure responsive control means for automatically fully shutting off the machine when the compacted trash has reached a predetermined size.
 5. The trash compactor of claim 4, wherein: a. said means in circuit with said pressure responsive control means includes cam means attached to, and movable with said compacting member, b. a stationary switch actuated by said cam means upon movement of said compacting member, and c. means engaged with said cam actuated switch and said pressure switch for shutting off the trash compactor upon contemporaneous actuation thereof.
 6. The trash compactor of claim 5, wherein: a. said multiple control means includes a limit switch and actuating member electrically connected in parallel to each other.
 7. A trash compactor including: a. a case, b. compression means mounted within said case, c. said compression means including a compacting member for reciprocating movement longitudinally through said case, d. trash receiving means lying in the path of movement of said compaction member for compressing the trash, e. power means for actuating reciprocating movement of said compacting member, f. pressure-responsive control means connected to said compacting member for reversing the direction of movement thereof at any point along the stroke or return of the compacting member when a predetermined pressure has built up, g. said pressure responsive control means and said power Means being in circuit with each other, and h. multiple control means connected with said power means and pressure responsive control means for selectively operating said compacting member continuously or through one complete cycle only.
 8. The trash compactor of claim 7, wherein: a. said pressure-responsive control means includes a pressure switch, and b. means in circuit with said pressure switch and compacting member for actuating the latter.
 9. The trash compactor of claim 7, with the addition of: a. means in circuit with said pressure responsive control means for automatically fully shutting off the machine when the compacted trash has reached a predetermined size.
 10. The trash compactor of claim 9, wherein: a. said means in circuit with said pressure responsive control means includes cam means connected to, and movable with, said compacting member, b. stationary switch means actuated by said cam means upon movement of said compacting member, and c. means engaged with said switch and said pressure switch for shutting off the trash compactor upon contemporaneous actuation thereof.
 11. A trash compactor including: a. a case, b. compression means mounted in said case, c. said compression means including a compacting member for reciprocating movement longitudinally through said case, d. trash receiving means lying in the path of movement of said compaction member for compressing the trash, e. power means for initiating reciprocating movement of said compacting member, f. time control means operatively engaged with said power means for reversing the direction of said compacting member, g. said time control means being operative for a predetermined time period only during the downward stroke of the compacting member, and h. switch means in circuit with said power means, i. said switch means being tripped to shut off the machine when said compacting member reaches the limit of its return stroke. 